Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: Opposition Demands India Boycott Olympics; What Did the Prime Minister Say?
Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: Opposition Demands India Boycott Olympics; What Did the Prime Minister Say?
In a surprising turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in the women’s 50 kg category, Vinesh was ruled out after her weight exceeded the limit by 100 grams just before the gold medal match.
Initially, Vinesh’s weight was well within the permissible 50 kg limit on Tuesday. However, her weight increased throughout the day as she competed in three bouts. By night, she found herself two kilograms over the limit. Despite her relentless efforts, including jogging, skipping, and cycling to shed the extra weight, she could not meet the eligibility criteria.
According to Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh will be replaced by Guzman Lopez Yusneylis, the wrestler she defeated in the semi-final. This means Vinesh will not be eligible for even a silver medal.
Reactions to this disqualification have been swift and varied. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vinesh’s coach, Mahavir Singh, have expressed their disappointment. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh voiced strong criticism and called for a boycott of the Olympics by India. On X (formerly Twitter), Singh posted, “This is not just an insult to Vinesh Phogat but to the entire nation.
ये विनेश का नही देश का अपमान है, @Phogat_Vinesh पूरी दुनिया में इतिहास रचने जा रही थी, उनको 100 ग्राम ओवरवेट दिखाकर अयोग्य घोषित करना घोर अन्याय है। पूरा देश विनेश के साथ खड़ा है, भारत सरकार तुरंत हस्तक्षेप करे, अगर बात ना मानी जाए तो ओलंपिक का बहिष्कार करे।#Phogat_Vinesh…
— Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) August 7, 2024
She was on the verge of creating history. Disqualifying her for being 100 grams over the limit is a grave injustice. The entire country stands with Vinesh. The Indian government should intervene immediately, and if the Olympic Committee doesn’t listen, India should boycott the Olympics.”
Prime Minister Modi also took to X to offer words of encouragement to Vinesh. He wrote,
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…
Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on.
Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you.”
The Indian Olympic Association also released a statement, saying, “Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the 50 kg weight category. This is extremely disappointing and unfortunate news for the Indian team. The team made the best efforts overnight regarding her weight, but the morning weigh-in confirmed she was over 50 kg. The Indian team does not wish to comment further on this matter.”
Vinesh’s disqualification marks a significant setback for India in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where hopes were high for her to secure a medal.
